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Conflicting emotions warred on Slayde’s face “Very well,” he said at last “We’ll leave at first light”

“We?” She sat bolt upright

“We,” he repeated “I’ll be dao alone You need a crew? I’ll supply one: ator and I don’t require a cha decision “That had best be acceptable, because it’s the only way I’ll lend you that ship”

At that moment, Courtney loved him more than she’d ever believed it was possible to love anyone “ ’Tisher lips to the hollow at the base of his throat “ ’Tis another miracle”

Chapter 11

THEIR KETCH LEFT DEVONSHIRE along with the last vestiges of darkness

Courtney leaned against the railing, drawing herthe sails to life and propelling their small vessel toward its destination She watched the Red Cliffs recede into a panoraland was—how perfect for a cottage, a garden

A home

With a lu if she dared any longer hope that dream could become a reality

This trip would tell

“Are you all right?” Slayde asked, glancing over from the helm

“Fine” She forced a s When it does, you’ll see me dash below”

“Maybe you should go to the cabin now,” Slayde returned soberly “You look exhausted; did you shut an eye last night?”

“No” There was no point in lying “I couldn’t” She walked over to stand beside hi out to sea “Be carefulinto the Channel If I recall correctly, there are limestone sheets and sand traps somewhere in this area”

Slayde arched a brow “Thank you But you needn’t worry We’re heading south, away from Portland and the more precarious waters of Lyme Bay I promise not to dash us on the rocks”